Planning & Zoning Commission - public_hearing

Friday, August 28, 2026

The Kootenai Planning & Zoning Commission adopted the 2027 Kootenai County budget following a discussion that touched on the collaborative process, past remuneration issues, and the responsible use of taxpayer funds.

About this meeting

Government Body
Planning & Zoning Commission
Meeting Type
Planning & Zoning Commission
Location
Kootenai County, ID
Meeting Date
August 28, 2026

Transcript

2 sections

0:00 – 0:14Speaker 2

I propose that we draft and determine the budget for exercise 2027 of the County of Kootenai. Commissioner Overland, Commissioner Duncan, President Vatari.

0:19 – 2:10Speaker 1

You know, I really hoped that we would not have discussed it. As I have already mentioned years ago, when it came to increasing patrol agents to keep them competitive. And so that we have a policy on the remuneration of elected officials, the county had no policy on the remuneration of elected officials. Some of us, the big family, and to attract qualified people, we have to pay people back in a reasonable way for their time. What I don't like to see is the politics that gets into the budget, because it puts a weight on the other commissioners, while all three together on this budget. We have all three done it. You will never get everything you want. It's a budget of 147 million dollars. There are things in the budget that I don't like. I'm sure there are things in the budget that you don't like, Commissioner Eberlein. And I know there are things that you don't like. But that's why we work together, and our biggest task is to ensure that the money of the contributors is used appropriately for the right things. So, Commissioner Duncan, I really didn't want to... I hoped that you would join us today on this, and that you would agree, because if you look at the last 7 years of these budgets, 4 times out of 7, you voted against... And you know, I understand that, because, once again, as a council, we work together on this. So my final vote on this point is for. The budget, the motion is adopted. On this, it is 7.42. Thank you all for coming.

This transcript was automatically generated from the official public meeting video and is presented unedited. It reflects remarks made on the public record by elected officials, staff, and public commenters. Transcript accuracy may vary; view the original recording for reference.